cynical indifference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cynical indifference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of concern or care that is marked by a cynical attitude, often in response to social issues or personal situations. Example: "His cynical indifference to the suffering of others made it clear that he was not the right person for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

- and cynical indifference - who cares, everyone's doing it - is merely recycling anecdotes and complaints.

The New York Times

Baker's realpolitik could curdle into cynical indifference when it came to the Balkans.

The New York Times - Books

BBC barrister Andrew Caldecott QC accused ministers of "cynical indifference" over the dossier's effects, and political expediency.

The Guardian

This upsets Chris, and it also puts a crack in the movie's smooth veneer of cynical indifference.

The New York Times

The Russian government's callous and cynical indifference to the fate of your people discredits it further and moves it ever closer to its inevitable demise.

The New York Times

Shock and sadness over the disaster, followed by a collective determination to triumph over adversity, has been superseded either by embarrassment or a near cynical indifference.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

At the windows the blind man is practicing the existential art of grovelling, exposing the stitches on his scalp to a clerk who's practicing the cynical art of indifference.

The New Yorker

Depersonalisation (DP ) – the degree to which a person has developed feelings of indifference and cynical attitudes toward recipients of the care, treatment, instruction or service they provide to others in their work.

British Journal of Cancer

Why? Lots of reasons, from changing demographics to affluent indifference to a cynical conviction that they're all crooks anyway so why bother?

Los Angeles Times

In the entry on "recording quality and cynicism", he notes Dylan's lazy indifference to the presentation of much of his later work, observing insightfully that Dylan's "cynical outer shell... in the corrosive form of some kind of self-contempt, some denigration of his own artistry, has seeped inside.

The Guardian - Books

Sports writers proper see the indifference and egotism of all involved and are made cynical by it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cynical indifference", consider the context to ensure that both the cynicism and the lack of concern are accurately portrayed. It is a strong phrase that implies a deliberate detachment.

Common error

Avoid using "cynical indifference" when a more nuanced description of apathy or skepticism would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a heavy connotation and can sound overly critical if misapplied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cynical indifference" functions as a descriptor, characterizing a state of mind or attitude. It combines an adjective ("cynical") modifying a noun ("indifference") to express a complex emotional or behavioral response. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cynical indifference" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a detached lack of concern rooted in cynicism. As Ludwig's analysis indicates, it's most frequently encountered in News & Media, conveying a critical or disapproving tone toward a particular apathy. While not extremely common, the phrase effectively captures a specific blend of pessimism and unconcern. Alternatives like "apathetic cynicism" or "callous disregard" may suit different nuances. When using "cynical indifference", ensure that both the cynicism and indifference are accurately reflective of the described situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apathetic cynicism

Swaps the order and uses synonyms for both words. Apathetic emphasizes lack of feeling, and cynicism denotes disbelief.

callous disregard

Replaces "indifference" with "disregard" and "cynical" with "callous", highlighting a cruel lack of concern.

detached apathy

Uses "detached" instead of "cynical", focusing on emotional separation, and "apathy" instead of "indifference."

jaded unconcern

Substitutes "cynical" with "jaded", conveying weariness or surfeit and "indifference" with "unconcern" which means lack of worry.

skeptical detachment

Replaces "cynical" with "skeptical", focusing on doubt, and "indifference" with "detachment", which indicates emotional distance.

disillusioned apathy

Uses "disillusioned" instead of "cynical", suggesting a loss of ideals and "apathy" instead of "indifference"

world-weary apathy

Replaces "cynical" with "world-weary", suggesting boredom or dissatisfaction with life, and "apathy" instead of "indifference".

unmoved pessimism

Emphasizes the lack of emotional response and replaces "cynical indifference" with an underlying negative outlook.

hardened indifference

Hardened conveys a sense of emotional armor and lack of empathy which may happen with the presence of cynicism. It replaces "cynical".

blasé disregard

Replaces "cynical" with "blasé", which suggests boredom and indifference due to frequent exposure, and "indifference" with "disregard".

FAQs

How can "cynical indifference" be used in a sentence?

"Cynical indifference" can be used to describe a detached and pessimistic attitude. For example: "His cynical indifference towards political debates suggested a deep distrust of the system."

What's the difference between "cynical indifference" and "callous indifference"?

"Cynical indifference" implies a distrustful apathy, while "callous indifference" suggests a more heartless and uncaring lack of concern. Cynicism adds a layer of distrust or negativity to the indifference.

What are some synonyms for "cynical indifference"?

Alternatives to "cynical indifference" include "apathetic cynicism", "callous disregard", or "detached apathy", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is "cynical indifference" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically correct, "cynical indifference" is not as common as simpler expressions like "apathy" or "cynicism" alone. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in news and media contexts.